gaming sector Archives

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

TIGA: PC and console continue to drive UK games development

Recent insights from TIGA indicate a shift in UK game studios' focus towards PC development, with 46% of studios identifying PC as their primary platform, and 56% of start-ups prioritizing PC development from May 2024 to September 2025. Mobile game development has declined from 33% to 31.6%, and jobs related to mobile gaming fell from 19% to 17.9%. The console gaming sector's job share increased from 47.2% to 50%, despite a 2.1% decrease in headcount at console-focused studios. TIGA reported a net loss of 1,537 development jobs, a 4.5% annualized decline, marking the UK gaming sector's most severe downturn on record.

AppWizard

April 14, 2026

TIGA: PC and console remain pivotal in driving game development in the UK

Recent findings from TIGA indicate that 46% of UK game studios are prioritizing PC game development, with projections suggesting that 56% of new projects from May 2024 to September 2025 will focus on PC gaming. The share of studios engaged in mobile game production has declined from 33% to 31.6%, and mobile gaming's contribution to total industry jobs has decreased from 19% to 17.9%. Conversely, the console gaming sector's employment share has risen from 47.2% to 50%, although the actual number of employees in console studios has decreased by 2.1%. The UK gaming industry has experienced a net loss of 1,537 development roles between May 2024 and September 2025, marking an annual decline of 4.5%.

AppWizard

April 8, 2026

Another obscure Final Fantasy game could come to PC with Square Enix “exploring the possibility” of porting Dissidia Duellum

Square Enix is considering a PC release for Dissidia Duellum Final Fantasy after its mobile launch. Producer Naoya Matsumoto explained that the game's vertical screen orientation and portrait mode were designed for casual competitive play and one-handed gameplay on smartphones. The mobile gaming sector has faced challenges, with several Final Fantasy mobile games, including World of Final Fantasy: Meli-Melo, Final Fantasy Explorers Force, and Final Fantasy 7 The First Soldier, being discontinued after about a year. Dissidia is currently receiving criticism from fans, raising concerns about its longevity. In a positive update, Final Fantasy 14 has lifted gifting restrictions, allowing players to share items with others.

AppWizard

March 26, 2026

One unfortunate Fortnite developer was laid off twice by Epic Games

Epic Games has announced the layoff of over 1,000 employees, despite projecting revenue of approximately billion for 2025. This follows a previous layoff of 830 employees in 2023, which represented 16% of its workforce. The company is facing challenges due to a perceived downturn in revenue from Fortnite and financial strain from a legal battle with Apple. CEO Tim Sweeney stated that the layoffs are not related to AI. The layoffs have impacted a diverse group of employees, including Melissa Wafful, who was laid off twice within three years.

AppWizard

March 25, 2026

Epic Games lays off more than 1,000 employees: ‘We’re spending significantly more than we’re making,’ CEO Tim Sweeney says

Epic Games has announced layoffs affecting more than 1,000 employees due to financial challenges, with CEO Tim Sweeney stating the company is spending significantly more than it generates in revenue. This situation is linked to a decline in engagement with Fortnite, which has been ongoing since 2025. Sweeney noted broader industry trends, such as a downturn in console sales, and highlighted unique challenges faced by Epic, including difficulties in maintaining player engagement with Fortnite. The company has also been involved in legal disputes with Apple and Google, which have incurred significant costs. This round of layoffs follows a previous reduction in September 2023, where over 800 employees were let go for similar reasons. Following the layoffs, Epic will have just over 4,000 employees and has raised the price of Fortnite V-Bucks due to increased operational costs.

AppWizard

March 19, 2026

Google Play Launches “Buy Once, Play Anywhere” Feature Across PC and Mobile Games

Google Play has introduced a new feature called "buy once, play anywhere," allowing players to purchase select PC and mobile games and play them across both platforms. This feature was announced at GDC 2026. Additionally, Google Play has launched Game Trials, enabling players to try paid games before buying them. The platform currently has a larger selection of free-to-play games but plans to expand its catalog with more premium titles. While not all games will support the 'play anywhere' model, it has the potential to benefit the 160 million users of Google Play games. This initiative is part of Google’s strategy to strengthen its presence in the gaming sector, particularly in PC gaming.

AppWizard

March 14, 2026

Africa’s monetisation debate: founders weigh in on mobile, PC, and the realities of game revenue

African founders view the continent's mobile gaming market as facing significant constraints, including challenges related to payments, purchasing power, and infrastructure, rather than being fundamentally broken. Industry leaders like Hugo Obi and Abdallah Elshabrawy highlight that while monetization is a global challenge, it is particularly exacerbated in Africa due to economic realities. Advertising, especially rewarded video ads, is currently the most reliable revenue model, though lower advertising rates necessitate a larger user base for sustainable revenue. Mobile gaming accounts for about 87% of African gamers and 90% of gaming revenue, emphasizing its reach despite higher spending in PC gaming. Founders stress the importance of targeting global audiences and adapting monetization strategies to the diverse payment ecosystems and cultural dynamics across the continent. A hybrid approach to monetization, combining mobile and PC gaming, is seen as a potential future direction for the industry.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Microsoft’s answer to SteamOS will begin rolling out to all Windows 11 PC form factors starting soon

Xbox Mode will roll out on Windows 11 devices in April in select markets, with timing varying by region. Advanced Shader Delivery will be available to third-party game developers starting in May.

Winsage

March 11, 2026

Windows 12 Rumors Spark Shift Toward Linux

The anticipated arrival of Windows 12 may drive many PC users to consider switching to Linux due to its deeper integration of artificial intelligence, increased monetization strategies, and higher hardware requirements. Microsoft has indicated a shift towards an AI-centric operating system, which could alienate users who prefer a stable desktop experience. As Windows 10 nears the end of its support in 2025, users face the choice of paying for Extended Security Updates, upgrading to Windows 12, or exploring alternatives like Linux, which has reached a 4% global market share in 2024. Recent developments in Windows 11, such as the introduction of ads and telemetry, have caused dissatisfaction among users, while Linux distributions remain ad-free and focus on security and functionality. Windows 11's new hardware requirements may leave many older PCs behind, whereas Linux is compatible with less powerful hardware. The Linux desktop has matured, with improved app distribution and gaming capabilities, and offers extensive support options. If Windows 12 emphasizes AI, advertising, and hardware restrictions, it could lead to a significant migration towards Linux as users seek a more user-friendly and controllable operating system.

Winsage

January 28, 2026

4 reasons why SteamOS is quietly winning over PC gamers — and why Windows won’t be dethroned any time soon

Windows 11 is versatile and meets user demands across various tasks, but it faces challenges in PC gaming due to its bloat and background processes. SteamOS, a Linux-based operating system, is gaining popularity among gamers, especially with the upcoming release of a new console-like Steam Machine in early 2026 and a variant of the Legion Go 2 gaming handheld in June 2026. SteamOS offers superior performance and efficiency, with less system overhead compared to Windows, although it still faces issues like anti-cheat compatibility. Community sentiment is shifting away from Windows due to dissatisfaction with Microsoft's updates and AI integration, leading many gamers to consider SteamOS as an alternative. Microsoft is aware of the need to improve Windows 11's gaming experience and has announced updates for 2026. Steam has a large user base, with 35 to 40 million users online at any time, providing a strong platform for promoting SteamOS. Despite the rise of SteamOS, Windows remains the most popular operating system and continues to manage a wide range of tasks effectively.